June 18, 2025
UAW Region 8 Once Again
Sponsors Kentucky Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch
There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man.
There is no greater contribution than to help the weak.
There is no greater satisfaction than to do it well.
UAW President Walter Reuther
These immortal words from UAW President Walter Reuther stand just as tall today as they did when they were spoken in 1955 in his remarks to the Congress of Industrial Organizations Convention. We in labor often talk too much about our contracts and not enough about serving our fellow man and protecting the weak. This charge by President Walter Reuther is still echoes in our hearts and minds.
On June 18, 2025, UAW Region 8 Sponsored a day at the Kentucky Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch for their summer camp. This is the fifth year Region 8 has supported the camp. The Kentucky Sheriffs Boys and Girl’s Ranch Camp was founded in 1975, with the mission of teaching the importance of learning to live and work together. The camp sets on 30 acres of land outside of Gilbertsville, Kentucky. Since the introduction of the camp in 1975, over 40,000 Kentucky 8-11 year olds have built fond memories from their week at the camp.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of this wonderful camp,” states Assistant Camp Director Tracey Powell. “The camp provides a summer experience for children who otherwise could not afford a summer camp. For the past five years UAW Region 8 has been one of our sponsors, providing funding and resources. Tom Savage of Region 8 has become a fixture for our campers on UAW Days. We would also like to thank Mortensons Dentistry in Louisville for their donations and support.”
Tom Savage is retired Region 8 staff and views the Kentucky Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch camp a labor of love. “These kids just touch your heart,” Tom states. “The good book teaches us in Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me". I want to thank Director Smith and Assistant Director Palmer for supporting this effort through donations and resources.”
This year Tom Savage was joined by UAW Local 3580 member John Newman and UAW Local 2195 members John and Jamie Davis. John handles communication for Region 8 and is a GM retiree and taught art at the local elementary school where he lives for 14 years after he retired. “Last year John mentioned he would like to help after posting about the camp on the Region 8 website,” Tom Savage adds. “This year the Region provided art sets for the campers and John spent the morning doing an art project with them. The kids really enjoyed it.”
Region 8 also provided backpacks filled with supplies for the campers. On this day there were about forty 8-11 year old girls who participated. The students enjoyed about learning about labor from Tom and the art project by John Davis.
Each and every Region 8 member should take pride in knowing their dues are helping these children experience something that will follow them for the rest of their life. In the words of President Walter Reuther it is good to serve our fellow man and no greater calling than to protect the weak. In a world where the weak are made scapegoats for the sins of the wealthy, it is good to know that members like Tom Savage will continue to shine the UAW’s light to those in need.
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